Think it’s hard for Julia Kramer, BA’s deputy editor, to narrow down hundreds of meals in dozens of cities across America to a list of 10? Same here. That’s why we start by naming our 50 nominees, all of which are worthy of celebration in their own right. Check back on September 17 to find out which of these spots made it to the final Hot 10 list. (And while you’re thinking about it, save the date for our extremely epic Hot 10 party in NYC on October 19. Buy tickets now!)
Adda
Long Island City, NY
Powerful, purposeful, firing-on-all-cylinders Indian hits
Atomix
New York City
This is Korean-inflected fine dining at its, well, finest.
Balkan Treat Box
St. Louis
Wood-fired flatbreads, sandwiches, and other extreme forms of deliciousness
Beckon
Denver
Duncan Holmes ups the ante with a chef’s counter next door to last year’s Hot 10 winner Call.
Benchwarmers Bagels
Raleigh, NC
Every other bagel sandwich just became meaningless.
Benne on Eagle
Asheville, NC
New Southern with deep roots from chef Ashleigh Shanti
Big King
Providence
Chef James Mark’s one-of-a-kind Japanese hideaway
Blood Bros. BBQ
Houston
Stellar Texas ’cue with Chinese and Vietnamese influences
Bungalow by Middle Brow
Chicago
A more fun place to drink interesting beer and eat interesting pizza there simply is not.
By Tae
Seattle
A hand-roll counter with a surplus of personality
Call Your Mother
Washington, D.C.
The deli where a bagel should be followed up with a black-and-white alfajor
Carpenters Hall
Austin
The plate-size cutlet says it all at this way-more-than-a hotel restaurant.
[Ed note: Andrew Knowlton, BA's editor-at-large, is involved in the restaurant]
Centro and Popol Vuh
Minneapolis
A Mexican restaurant for when you’re feeling fancy (Popol Vuh) and when you’re not (Centro).
Chubby Fish
Charleston
Does Charleston need another trendy seafood spot? Only if it’s as delightful as this place.
Dacha Diner
Seattle
Immensely craveable Eastern European food (hello, beautiful khachapuri)
DakZen
Somerville, MA
The khao soi alone proves that America needs another fast-casual restaurant.
The Elysian Bar
New Orleans
A magical hotel bar with a storied past
Fadensonnen, Larder, and Sophomore Coffee
Baltimore
Sorry, we’re not choosing a favorite among this trio of like-minded businesses: the bi-level biergarten and wine/sake bar (Fadensonnen), the earthy café (Larder), or the on-point coffee shop (Sophomore), united by a communal patio with picnic tables.
Hathorne
Nashville
Where farm-to-table feels fresh as ever
Heirloom Brewshop
Raleigh, NC
Serene tea shop, for sake and Taiwanese fried chicken too
Jeong
Chicago
Heartfelt, precise cooking with a Korean bent
Khao Noodle Shop
Dallas
Fun-size Laotian noodles and snacks turn a strip mall into a destination.
Konbi
Los Angeles
Isn’t it nice when Japanese sandwiches this insanely popular are also this insanely good?
Le Comptoir du Vin
Baltimore
Try and find a more charming French bistro and natural wine bar.
Leonti
New York City
Stunning pastas in the kind of plush setting they just don’t make anymore
M Tempura
Durham, NC
A set menu dedicated to expertly fried tempura: Yes.
Matt’s BBQ Tacos
Portland, OR
Breakfast tacos + serious barbecue = our happy place.
Molly’s Rise and Shine
New Orleans
Epic breakfast and diner-style hospitality from the Turkey and the Wolf family
Nina & Rafi
Atlanta
A chef from Jersey makes Detroit-style pizza in Atlanta—and it couldn’t be more natural.
Ochre Bakery
Detroit
Ambitious coffee, bread, pastry, and breakfast situations in the cheeriest café
Petra and the Beast
Dallas
Misti Norris is the master of cured meats at this charcuterie-and-fresh-pasta haven.
Pizzeria Beddia
Philadelphia
Pizza saint Joe Beddia’s expanded digs live up to the hype.
Porridge + Puffs
Los Angeles
Where a bowl of creamy grains is the base for greatness
Reunion Bread Co.
Denver
Two words: churro croissant.
Root Baking Co.
Atlanta
Because if you’re milling your own heirloom grains, you should definitely be turning them into lamb shawarma pizza and morning buns.
Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos
New Orleans
Why do tacos taste so much better eaten in an off-the-beaten-track alleyway?
Sarvida
Philadelphia
Filipino favorites served family-style in a setting that feels like home
Savage Restaurant
St. Louis
Nordic precision at a Midwestern chef’s counter
Sister Liu’s Kitchen
Durham, NC
Unforgettable dumplings, for carryout only
Tacos Oscar
Oakland
A colorful back patio made for sheer taco enjoyment
Tailor
Nashville
Where Gujarat meets the Deep South—in dinner party form.
Tawakal Halal Café
Boston
The Somali comfort food spot that should be your first stop off the plane.
Verjus
San Francisco
The Quince team’s newest spot has all the wine we want to drink and all the pâtés and croquettes we want to eat.
Warda Pâtisserie
Detroit
Outstanding pastries (both sweet and savory) as works of art.
The Wolf’s Tailor
Denver
House-made pasta and robata, so well executed that it works.